LXM Wraps Up First Stop of 2010 in Austin, Texas

AUSTIN, TX – The LXM PRO Tour held its first stage of 2010 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Austin, Texas on Saturday, April 10th, as LXM 512 presented a full day of lacrosse and music entertainment from morning through evening.

The action started early with a free lacrosse clinic for youth players lead by Kyle Harrison, Brett Hughes and Steven Brooks. Over 300 kids, along with parents and coaches, came out to learn tips of the game, a few stick tricks, and participate in a Q & A session which included a few more of the games' best players.

The matinee featured the greatest rivalry in Texas sports: The Lone Star Showdown, University of Texas vs Texas A&M. Coach Noah Fink had his Longhorn team ready to play as they jumped on A&M from the opening whistle and never looked back. A&M had a tough time catching up in what proved to be an uncharacteristically lopsided affair in this historic rivalry. Junior Johnny McKnight paced the Longhorns with five goals on the day, earning MVP of the game.

LIVESTRONG Young Leadership Cancer Council Member and LXM PRO lacrosse player Brendan Shook along with Lone Star Showdown MVP, Johnny McKnight, presented a LIVESTRONG Manifesto to the Thompson Family, in memory of influential local Westlake lacrosse leader, Jim Thompson who recently passed away from cancer.

The entire event was highlighted by the LXM PRO Showcase game featuring 40 of the world's best professional lacrosse players. Team Cascade bested Team Luminous Capital 16 – 9 thanks to great goalie play by former Maryland All-American, Harry Alford. The Rich Fiore LXM MVP was awarded to Mike Watson, a Virginia Alum and 4-time NCAA All-American. Watson distributed the ball for five assists and added four goals for a nine point afternoon. His day was highlighted by his trademark dive: Beating his defenseman behind the goal, Watson leaped through the crease, threw a mid-air fake and put the ball in the top right corner for a crowd pleasing goal. Team Cascade had five multiple goal scorers which proved to be too much for Team Luminous Capital: Watson (4,5), Max Ritz (3,1) and Xander Ritz (3,0) put up big numbers from the attack, while Kyle Harrison (2,1) and Evan Kay (2,0) provided production from the midfield.

Team Luminous Capital had strong midfield play by Billy Looney, Graham Gill (2,2), and Ryan Cranston (2,0) but they weren’t able to match Team Cascade’s offensive output. Slippery attackman Brandon Corp was able to get to the goal (2,0), while the sharp-shooting Jake Byrne narrowly missed a huge day by hitting pipe on 5 separate occasions (0,1).

Defensively Team Cascade had great performances from Jimmy Borell and Brett Hughes who each tallied a goal. Hughes netted one of the most spectacular goals of the day with a behind-the-back fast break laser. Alex Hewit heated up in goal for Team Luminous Capital in the second half but Lou Braun’s domination in the face-off circle (20 for 26) prevented any serious threat by Team Luminous Capital. 3,489 fans enjoyed the day long festival, which culminated in performances by L.A.X and Carolina Liar. Kate Voegele encored her stirring pregame rendition of the National Anthem with an on stage performance with Carolina Liar singing their hit, “Show Me What I’m Looking For."

After the game musicians and athletes gathered at Lance Armstrong's Six Lounge for the official LXM after party to celebrate. Check out lxmpro.com and insidelacrosse.com for updates on the LXM PRO Tour and visit the photo gallery at photos.insidelacrosse.com. Click on "view all photos" and then "LXM Tour 2010."